Forensic approach: Analysis of gender based variation in palm prints within Pakistani population

Abstract

Background: In the modern era of forensic science, palm prints are commonly used for criminal investigations and commercial purposes. For instance, prints from the base of the palm (or palm heels) are often found at crime scenes when a criminal removes their gloves during the commission of a crime, leaving their palm prints exposed to the environment. This research poses challenges for anthropologists and forensic experts. The goal of the current study is to examine the effect of gender factors on palm print patterns. Discriminatory features of palm prints were analyzed for their potential legal or commercial applications.

Results: All palm prints were analyzed based on the following parameters: ridge density, T.DOT value, types of creases, and anthropometry. Using Statistix 8.1 software, the p-values and chi-square values of all palm prints were calculated and presented graphically for both hands. In this study, our results revealed that ridge density is higher in females than in males. Significant differences were observed in stature and hand measurements (length, width, strength) between the two genders, with males exhibiting significantly higher values than females.

Conclusion: Various parameters such as ridge density, anthropometry, crease patterns, and the total degree of transversality determine the physical identity of individuals based on gender. A conclusive method for identifying gender from latent palm prints has been established, which will assist forensic experts and investigators in apprehending suspects.